Geneva, August 26, 2025 – Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is highly alarmed by the deadly assault on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Monday, which killed civilians, including journalists and medical personnel. The double-tap attack—striking once and then again as first responders rushed to the scene—underscores the extent to which fundamental principles of international humanitarian law (IHL) are being systematically violated in Gaza.

Hospitals, journalists, and humanitarian workers are explicitly protected under IHL. Their deliberate targeting and reckless endangerment represents not only direct attacks on the most vulnerable but also the collapse of the very norms designed to safeguard civilian life.

The assault on Nasser Hospital shows how every pillar of international humanitarian law is being broken in Gaza—distinction, proportionality, precaution, and the protection of medical facilities and personnel,” said Hichem Khadhraoui, Executive Director at CIVIC. “Double-tap strikes are designed to maximize death and terror as they deliberately target civilians, including journalists and first responders rushing to save lives. This is not only unlawful, it is inhumane. Every strike on a school, a camp, or a hospital is not just an attack on a building; it is an attack on the very possibility of life for civilians.

The attack comes amid escalating civilian suffering: heavy bombardment continues, famine conditions have been officially declared in Gaza City while the Israeli cabinet has approved a plan to fully take over Gaza City and launched a ground operation. This plan will lead to the expected forced displacement of nearly 1 million Palestinians living in Gaza City and in northern Gaza with no safe place to go.

Starvation, displacement, and the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure are not collateral damage, they are deliberate tactics of war,” Khadhraoui added. “Every nation has a responsibility to act now, using every diplomatic, legal, and economic tool at its disposal, to stop further suffering and civilian harm.

CIVIC calls on Israel to:

• Cease attacks on civilians and civilian objects immediately, including hospitals, journalists and medics.
• End tactics of starvation and forced displacement.
• Allow full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access for lifesaving medical assistance, fuel, and supplies.
• Agree to an immediate ceasefire.

CIVIC calls on Hamas to:

• Immediately and unconditionally release all hostages.
• End practices that endanger civilians and civilian infrastructure.
• Agree to an immediate ceasefire.

CIVIC calls on all third states and the international community to:

• End the transfer of arms to the parties to the conflict.
• Use all leverage to demand and secure humanitarian access, the protection of civilians, and a ceasefire.

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:
Hajer Naili, Director of Communications, [email protected], +1 917 889 5982 (WhatsApp)
CIVIC Communications: [email protected]

Spokespersons available for interviews in English, French, and Arabic